Q re Monte 1 and RA Gigantes

[GoodStix]

I very much enjoy the Monte 1 vitola, but in past have found tight or plugged draw a problem too often.  In past have had even worse construction inconsistency with Monte 4 (often newer rollers?).   So I’ve mainly bought Monte 3, and continue to do so.  A few months ago, I rolled the dice again on a PSP box of Monte 1, hoping more recent production might be better.  But my first two sticks in the last couple days have needed PerfecDraw (and then wrapper split while smoking).  Perhaps it’s just the first two from the box, I don’t know yet.  What has been your experience with draw/construction on recent Monte 1?  Reasonably ok, or am I safer staying with the 3?

 

Similarly, I very much enjoy RASS, RASCC, and RAS. I’m interested in the RA Gigantes.  Have seen some great flavour comments from some of you (thank you).  But I’m hesitant to buy RAG only because of the DC format (construction).  How has the construction been for recent RAG production?

 

Your thoughts please?

[KCCubano]

My Monte 1s have generally been ok. Most need a quick poke with perfecdraw. However I had to pitch one last week when had to go too deep and made cigar very very bitter. In my experience if u have to go that far in it really affects flavors. One or two inches deep seems to be fine. 

[NSXCIGAR]

I have found that for some reason Monte 1 is extremely sensitive to moisture. If I'm in high humidity the thing just turns into a wet sponge before I'm done. Draw tightens up and won't burn. I have much less of an issue with any other Monte. 

So that said, yes, I have often had draw and burn problems with Monte 1. I actually have sworn them off as I've always had much better luck with the 3, 4 & 5. I've found the DE to be a much better substitute for the Monte 1. 

As for RAG I've never had too many draw or construction issues. 

[Chibearsv]

My cigars are kept between 62-65 RH and I don't generally have problems with my Monte 1.  I'm glad since I'm not sure I could navigate the perfectdraw in such a skinny cigar.  RAGs I've had were older and were terrific in both flavor and construction.  I just bought a fresh box but it's going to sit for long while before I start attacking.

[MrBirdman]

I had a rash of late 2019 RAG’s and Monte 1’s that were tent polls. Every single one. Horrible. But otherwise they’ve been fine. 

[BlueRidgeFly]

I’ve only had boxes of 2019 Monte 1s, and one stick from the ‘21 Christmas sampler. Every one from 2019 has had tight draw problems or been plugged. The sampler stick was good though.

[Hammer Smokin']

a bit nervous to hear about the '19 stock plugs. 

I have quite a few boxes from '19. I remember "in" 2019 hearing how the sticks coming out of Cuba were better than year past...which apparently continued through 2020 (and into 2021?)

I won't be touching these boxes for a couple years but my fingers will be crossed. 

[Monterey]

I have numerous boxes of these and have noticed that the 2020 and 2021 boxes won't close fully.  It is like they are jam packing these of late.

[NSXCIGAR]

2 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

My cigars are kept between 62-65 RH and I don't generally have problems with my Monte 1

What are your smoking conditions? No issues in high rH?

[Chibearsv]

40 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

What are your smoking conditions? No issues in high rH?

All over the place here. Tonight it’s lowered but it was 70% and high 90s the last couple days and I’ve had no issues yet.  Winter time humidity is in the 20-30 range.  Current box of M1 is 2020 and they’ve all been good. I guess I should be knocking on wood 

[NSXCIGAR]

12 minutes ago, Chibearsv said:

All over the place here. Tonight it’s lowered but it was 70% and high 90s the last couple days and I’ve had no issues yet.  Winter time humidity is in the 20-30 range.  Current box of M1 is 2020 and they’ve all been good. I guess I should be knocking on wood 

70% is workable. I deal with 60-65F and 80% rH pretty often in the evenings. Over 70% is the danger zone. Wrapper starts to wrinkle and everything. 

[rcarlson]

No problems here with the 20-21 Monte 1s.   All have smoked perfectly.  The Monte 3s though?  All over the map.  Most "meh," some good, all hard to keep lit.  So far, I much prefer the 1s over the 3s that I've had -- flavor and construction.    

[Connoisseur Kim]

13 hours ago, Monterey said:

I have numerous boxes of these and have noticed that the 2020 and 2021 boxes won't close fully.  It is like they are jam packing these of late.

I too have a 2021 Monte 1 box with a lid closure problem. Unlike Partagas EL 17 Series No. 1 (that one had extreme hardness when I grabbed it) in the past, my Monte 1s aren't too rock as hard or spongy when I inspected them. I believe it's just a box construction issue, but will let you know when I review my 2021 Monte 1 box.

[Sir Diggamus]

I haven’t had any issues with the Monte 1 at all. I have sampled 18s, 19s, and 20s, none from 21 though.

I have only tried a few recent RAG and all were from 19 but they had zero issues with construction or draw.

With the size and RG of a Lonsdale storage RH will be important in the draw, but sometimes you can’t overcome a tight pack with low rh or dry boxing.


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[Bijan]

I have a box of RAG that are good. I had a 1/4 box where 4 or 5 were overfilled and plugged.

Monte 1 have been good for me in general.

[RDB]

My ROP APR 21 box has been honing my perfecdraw skills. When they smoke, they taste delicious. But the consistent construction problem is ridiculous.